Wednesday, March 12, 2014

I so enjoyed Steven Pressfield's story of Alexander the Great, Virtues of War, that I immediately launched into The Afghan Campaign. Where Virtue deals directly with Alexander and his personal mission of conquest, The Afghan Campaign tells the story of new "Mack" recruits joining Alexander's army as it tries to pacify the ancient Afghan frontier.This is more of a book "recommendation" than my typical "book like." The story is unrelenting and often grim, and I was struck by the modern tone of this work of historical fiction - set in the world of 2,000 years ago! I was intrigued enough to actually seek out Mr. Pressfield's website in search of some insight into his motivation to tell this story. I found this interview really satisfying. Some of the contemporary parallels are obvious; what I found compelling was Mr. Pressfield's take on "the tribe."I recommend you read the book and the interview.See ya!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

So the Forest Edge Strips are looking pretty good, but they look like they might not be the sturdiest terrain ever built. "How are you going to store the pretty Strips, not to mention travel to "away" games, without destroying them?". . . I hear you say. I heard you.I plan to "file" them in Forest File Boxes! The final step of the design process for all of the components of this 54mm project has focused on protection - how to store and transport from Home to Game and Home again. The Forest Edge Strips get their own boxes.I was already using these watertight hanging file storage boxes (from the friendly local Container Store) for the single large tree trunks and the JG Miniatures trees, so was hoping I would be able to draft more of the same for Strip Service. Turns out I can fit three of the 12" Strips side by side - with room to keep the assorted foliage of the Strips from bumping into their neighbors - with a fourth 10" Strip "crossing the 'T.'"

The 1" foam lining the bottom of the box "grips" the bottoms of the Strips and prevent their sliding around during transport. The 1" foam provided a "happy accident" in that it raised the height of the Strips within the box so that the tops of the "sticks" were just about even with the "slots" originally intended for hanging the file folders.

This allowed the use of 10" bungee cords (from Menard's, 20 to a box for $5) to "trap" the tops of the sticks to keep the Strips from falling over. I just had to drill holes in the slots with my handy Dremel for the bungees. The little white graphic with the "rubber band" type represents a . . . um, rubber band added to the bungees to hold the 10" Strip in place. Just add the lid and we're ready for the trip to Recruits!Only 5 more Forest File Boxes to fill!

Sunday, March 2, 2014

All of the trees and major shrubberies (Ni!) have been attached to the Forest Edge Strips. The "ground cover" assembly line has been initiated, too, for the full 12" Strips as well as some shorter "filler" pieces.

And in case you're wondering how Jack's doing. . . he's doing just fine. Here's the Happy Monster out and about on Housecleaning Day. That's Jack on the left : )